Manipur Placed Under President’s Rule

Imphal: Four days after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned from his post, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday issued an official notification imposing President’s Rule in Manipur. The decision comes amid political uncertainty, as the ruling BJP failed to reach a consensus on a new leader despite multiple rounds of discussions.

The official notification, issued by President Droupadi Murmu, stated, “I, Droupadi Murmu, President of India, have received a report from the Governor of the State of Manipur and after considering the report and other information received by me, I am satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the Government of that State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of India.”

With President’s Rule now in effect, Article 174(1) of the Constitution mandates that the state Assembly must convene within six months of its last session. Manipur’s last Assembly sitting was held on August 12, 2024, meaning the deadline for the next session was February 12, 2025. However, following the Chief Minister’s resignation on February 9, Governor Ajay Bhalla called off the Budget session that was scheduled to begin on February 17.

The northeastern state has been grappling with severe unrest since May 2023, when ethnic violence erupted, resulting in the deaths of over 250 people and leaving thousands homeless. The imposition of President’s Rule adds another layer of political uncertainty as Manipur struggles to restore peace and stability.